Mechanical pre-filter cartridge
As dirt collects on the sponge, the cartridge will gradually become clogged. Water flow slows and will eventually stop. Periodically rinse the pre-filter sponge in cold running water to remove large particles. Replace the mechanical pre-filter cartridge every 21 days or so as needed.

Biological filter sponge
The biological filter sponge should not be removed during routine maintenance of other components. Removal can damage the beneficial bacteria colonies. Important note: Do not change the biological filter sponge at the same time that you change the mechanical pre-filter cartridge and chemical filtration cartridge. This is necessary to preserve the culture of beneficial bacteria growing on the sponge.

Mechanical filtration can greatly improve the health of most aquariums, and is also important for the efficiency of your biological filtration. The process is simple: mechanical media strains solid debris.

Biological filtration is the action of bacteria breaking down dangerous ammonia, converting it to nitrite, and then converting nitrite to less toxic nitrate. This article discusses how the process works.

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Duetto Multi-Filters DJ-50 Biological Filter (mfg# 00.48.005)
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3
3

This product is compack and easy to use.
I love these filters with the disposible cartridges. Nothing could be easier. And they are sturdy and last a LONG time. I have had 3 for 3 different turtle tanks for a number of years. They are an excellent value for the price.
August 27, 2012

Simple, solid, reliable.
This filter has simple construction and is very easy to dismantle and clean. The sponge media is durable and doesn't need to be replaced often. The carbon packs can even be opened and refilled granted you figure a way to reseal them. The air port is conveniently located and allows effective aeration. The filter works well vertical or horizontal. All said, a great filter that's easy to use and maintain and it's inexpensive.
April 12, 2011

Keeps my small tanks clean and provides great flow
I'll be the first to admit that I am a lazy fishkeeper, so I needed a simple internal filter that required minimal maintenance and also could go for long periods without clogging. I'm currently running 2 Duetto filters, the DJ-100 in a 10-gallon freshwater cichlid tank and a DJ-50 in a 5.5-gallon cichlid tank.
The filter is super-easy to set up, it's very easy to adjust flow. Even the DJ-50 has a ton of flow at the maximum, I ended up setting it to about 50% flow which was perfect. This filter will go at least 30 days without needing to be cleaned, I have to clean mine at 30 days because I have a lot of algae in my tank, an algae-free tank could definitely go longer.
February 8, 2011